Hunting at McNary: Frequently Asked Questions

Regulations
Burbank Slough
Two Rivers and Peninsula
Wallula

Q: Where can I hunt waterfowl at McNary NWR?

A: Waterfowl hunting is allowed at the following Refuge Units: Burbank Slough, Peninsula, Two Rivers, and Wallula. Burbank Slough is a fee hunt unit. All other units are free and first-come first serve.

Q: When can I hunt at McNary NWR?

A: During the State Waterfowl Hunting Season:
Burbank Slough: Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday, Thanksgiving Day and New Years Day
Two Rivers, Peninsula and Wallula Units: Seven days a week

Q: How much does it cost to hunt at the Burbank Slough Fee Unit?

A: There is a daily hunting blind fee of $10 for each hunter (reservation holder and standby recipients) and guests, payable at the time of the hunt. A season pass is available for $50 and may be purchased at the Hunter Check Station. There is no fee for hunters ages 15 years and younger.

Q: What is the Hunter Hotline?

A: The Hunter Hotline is a number you can call to hear the results of the previous hunt day and current hunting conditions. The number (in season) is 509-546-TEAL (8325). If you have hunting related questions, you can leave a message at this number and the check-station attendant will return your call.

Q: How do I apply for waterfowl hunt reservations?

A: Starting with the 2009-2010 hunt season, reservation applications will be done online. Each hunter may submit one online application with up to ten reservation dates for the next hunting season. No adult reservations are accepted for the Youth Hunt. All valid and timely applications will be processed through a computerized lottery program. Each applicant will be notified by email. The person with the lowest number present at the Hunter Check Station on the day of the hunt receives first choice of blind site. Reservation Applications for the 2009-2010 season are not yet available. Keep checking our website.

Q: Do I need a reservation to hunt the Burbank Slough Fee Unit?

A: No. After reservation holders have selected their hunting sites, unoccupied sites are filled with standby hunters according to a drawing conducted at the Hunter Check Station.

Q: How many guests can I bring to a blind?

A: To ensure safety and promote high-quality hunting opportunities, each reservation holder is allowed a maximum of two guests.

Q: When is the Youth Hunt at the Burbank Fee Unit?

A: McNary’s Youth Hunt is always the first Saturday in December. In 2009 this date is December 5th. Reservation and blind fees are waived for this day.

Q: I don’t have a dog, are there areas in the Burbank Slough that are shallow enough to hunt without a dog?>/

A: Most of the slough is pretty deep and the water level fluctuates regularly. Blinds 21 and 23 are a little shallower and are supposedly better for hunters without dogs.

Q: Can I check out the hunting area before I hunt?

A: Access is only allowed to those that have been issued a permit for a specific hunt day.

Q: Can I hunt from the center pivot point in the fields?

A: NO.

Q: Can 5 people use a single blind if only 4 are hunting?

A: No, the blinds are only designed to hold 4 people, regardless of whether or not they are hunting.

Q: I am enrolled in the State Master Hunter Program and I need volunteer hours. Are there volunteer projects I can help with?

A: Yes. Each year McNary hosts a Spring Clean-up of the hunt sites. Everyone is encouraged to participate and help clean up the hunting areas and other parts of the Refuge. Beginning in 2009 there will be a Hunt Blind Preparation Day in September. There are always other projects that you can help with too. Contact the Refuge office for more information.

Q: Where are all the ducks?

A: We do not know. The ducks move and unfortunately no one in our office is able to spend as much time in the field watching the ducks as our hunters. There are almost always some ducks and geese here at the refuge.